SA vs SL: Angelo Mathews joins elite Sri Lanka club with 8000 Test runs

Angelo Mathews became only the third Sri Lankan batter to score 8000 runs in Test cricket. The others are Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. The 37-year-old Mathews achieved the feat on Day 2 of Sri Lanka’s second Test against South Africa at the St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test Day 3 Highlights

Mathews needed 34 before the game, and he got there with ease. After making his debut back in 2009, the veteran has made a name for himself as one of the greats of Sri Lankan cricket. The likes of Dimuth Karunaratne, Sanath Jayasuriya, Aravinda de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal also feature in the list.

Mathews has also contributed heavily for Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket over the last one and a half decade. In 226 ODIs and 90 T20Is, the Colombo-born Mathews has notched 5916 and 1416 runs respectively, with the help of three fours and 40 half-centuries.

Mathews has also been more than handy with the ball in hand, having taken 204 runs with a five-wicket haul and three four-wicket hauls.

Most runs for Sri Lanka in Tests

Kumar Sangakkara – 12400 runs from 134 matches

Mahela Jayawardene – 11814 runs from 149 matches

Angelo Mathews – 8006 runs from 116 matches

Dimuth Karunaratne – 7164 runs from 98 matches

Sanath Jayasuriya – 6973 runs from 110 matches

Aravinda de Silva – 6361 runs from 93 matches

Dinesh Chandimal – 5990 runs from 86 matches

Sri Lanka in a comfortable position

As far as the ongoing Test in Gqeberha is concerned, Sri Lanka are in a comfortable position thanks to the 89-run knock from Pathum Nissanka. The visiting team trailed by 116 runs with seven wickets left in their first innings. Chandimal scored 44 runs off 97 balls with five fours before Dane Paterson dismissed him. Mathews stayed not out on 40 off 71 balls, laced with six fours.